Walsall are hoping that Andy Oakes will be fit to return to the side in the vital away game at Blackpool next weekend.

Walsall Manager Kevan Broadhurst says he wasn’t displeased with Rene Gilmartin’s performance against Bradford, but h does want his number one back for this crunch game.

“Andy should be fit the weekend,” said Broadhurst. “He’s had a bit of discomfort in his ankle but with another four days to go before the game we are optimistic he will be okay.”

Anthony Gerrard and Mark Wright, who both limped off against Bradford, should also be okay for the trip to Bloomfield Road but Kevin James and Grant Smith are unlikely to be ready.

Smith has a knee niggle while the hamstring strain that forced James off in the second half against Bradford looks set to rule him out for a week or two.